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SPRAYGRAPHIC INTERVIEW WITH ILLUSTRATOR BEL JOHNSTONE
By Spraygraphic | July 16, 2010
SPRAYGRAPHIC INTERVIEW WITH ILLUSTRATOR BEL JOHNSTONE
SG: Please tell us about yourself?
BJ: I’m an emerging freelance illustrator who’s known and recognized for my dot style and technique. Lately I’ve become obsessed with illustrated typography, experimenting with that style and letting it take over my portfolio.
SG: Where do you currently live and work?
BJ: I currently live in Brisbane, Australia and work from my home studio.
SG: What mediums do you work with?
BJ: Pigment fine-liner pens mostly, watercolor, colored pencil and Photoshop.
SG: Describe your working process when creating a new work.
BJ: Well instead of describing it would you like to see it? I’ve just finished making a time lapse video the creation of a new type piece.
SG: What kind of things do you do when you get blocked or find it hard to create something?
BJ: I’ve found that it is a sign get out of the studio for a little while. You should never underestimate the power that this has to create fresh inspiration.
SG: Where are you currently finding your inspiration?
BJ: As I mentioned before I’m a little type obsessed at the moment so inspiration is coming from music, movies, poems, those sorts of things. Also I’m really inspired anytime I see a chance to bring illustrated forms and type together.
SG: Where has your work been seen?
BJ: My dot style has been seen in Communication Arts Illustration Annual #50, Computer Arts #170, Blanket Magazine and CURVY 6. I just debut my illustrated type work very recently in the ‘Ah! Melody’ exhibition at Mart Gallery, Sydney.
SG: Where will it be seen next?
BJ: I’m working on a range of things at the moment regarding commissions and exhibitions. I’ll be able to reveal the details soon.
SG: What is your dream art assignment?
BJ: To see my type work on a large scale such as a billboard advertisement. That would be very rewarding.
SG: What is your favorite color?
BJ: I love green, but I seem to always favor red or blue.
SG: Who is your favorite artist? And Why?
BJ: I don’t ever have just one favorite at a time but definitely a few on my list would be Si Scott, Jessica Hische, Pomme Chan, Hydro 74 and Seb Lester. I pretty much hold a very high respect for those artists that have been able to do well in their craft and survive in the industry. It’s not an easy thing to do.
SG: What book/magazine are you reading this week?
BJ: One Hundred years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
SG: Where is your favorite place to hang out?
BJ: The studio which I guess is a good sign. I’m always at my happiest while creating. Boring answer I know!
SG: Any final words of advice?
BJ: Work really, really hard, don’t be discourage or give up if things don’t seem to be going your way. In this industry you never know what’s around the corner. That uncertainty is what I love.
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Topics: Artist Interviews, Ilustration, International-Art |
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